Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, a common trend in nonmetropolitan regions where the cost of labor and operational expenses can differ significantly from urban centers. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region shape the compensation landscape for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 560 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market in Northwest Illinois indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a high-demand hub, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests consistent, albeit moderate, employment opportunities within the sector. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 4.335, further supports a stable, rather than rapidly expanding, job environment.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-6.9%below the national average.
$15.1
$605
$2,623
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas like Northwest Illinois, have experienced a modest upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a gradual rise in demand for food services, reflecting a slow but steady evolution in compensation for this occupational group.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced individuals, those with specialized skills (like baking or specific dietary preparations), or those in supervisory capacities can expect to earn significantly more than the average $31,470. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for salary growth through experience and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,603 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,110 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,338 | $18.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,610 | $16.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,470 in Northwest Illinois aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Food Preparation Workers in this region holds its purchasing power at the national standard. While the salary may seem lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay is relatively stable and comparable in terms of what it can buy locally.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
4.335
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.75x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are available positions, the market is not saturated, and employers might face moderate competition when seeking to fill roles. It implies a balanced supply and demand, where opportunities exist but are not overwhelmingly abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,210↑ 6% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,620↑ 4% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,020↑ 8% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,500↑ 6% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,320↑ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $31,470. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $34,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 6.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $31,470 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a stable but not high-earning environment for these professionals.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($33,210) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Illinois is $31,470, which is approximately $2,340 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.75, meaning there are fewer Food Preparation Workers relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Northwest Illinois is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $31,470 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 560 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.335 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area